The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were greeted by dignitaries and the waiting media as they arrived in Canada for the start of a whirlwind four-day tour.

Charles and Camilla flew into Halifax, Nova Scotia, on board a Canadian Forces Airbus as they prepare to carry out dozens of engagements across three provinces.

The royal couple will take part in events to mark a number of important historical anniversaries during the tour, including the First World War centenary and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference which led to the Canadian Confederation.

After stepping off the plane, the Duchess, wearing a cream silk dress and golden black tweed coat, smiled as she was presented with flowers by Grace Elizabeth Lenihan, aged three, and her nine-year-old sister Molly Jane.

Camilla, who was carrying a black clutch bag given to her by a Canadian friend, told the young girls they looked "pretty" as she collected the gift.

The royals were also introduce to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, Chief Superintendent Brian Brennan, before leaving for a reception with the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston.

The couple exchanged polite small talk in front of the cameras for a few minutes at Halifax's Government House.

Asked to stand in a different position for the official photocall, the Prince said: "This is like musical chairs."

The Governor General replied: "You will accuse us of cruel and unusual punishment."

To mark the royal tour, Charles has been appointed to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada - 57 years after the Prince's father, the Duke of Edinburgh, was given the honour.

During their visit to Halifax, the royals will watch military personnel take part in the Grand Parade on Victoria Day, the Canadian national holiday to honour Queen Victoria's birthday.

Charles will deliver a speech at the parade and lay a wreath at a cenotaph to commemorate those killed in the First World War.

The Prince and Duchess will visit a military family resource centre in Halifax which provides support to some 20,000 local servicemen and women and their family members.

The royal couple will have tea with Second World War veterans and war brides at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which served as a departure point for half a million military personnel during the war.

Around 44,000 women, mostly British, and 22,000 children landed at Pier 21 between 1942 and 1948 after a high number of wartime romances.

Charles will meet vendors at local farmers' market in Halifax, while Camilla will see the work of a project which helps victims of domestic violence.

The Prince and Duchess will also visit Pictou County for an event to celebrate Celtic heritage in Nova Scotia.

During their tour of Canada, the couple will travel to Charlottetown, Bonshaw and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island and Winnipeg in Manitoba.

It is the third time they have travelled to Canada together and marks Charles's 17th official visit to the country.